step-down vs. telemetry unit

neneRN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2002

Step down is more or less a transitional unit; pts coming from ICU, not quite well enough for general med/surg. Also, pts requiring closer monitoring than a regular floor, so less nurse/pt ratio. In our hospital, these areas can take pts on NTG gtts, insulin gtts, renal dopamine, cardizem protocol,etc. Maybe set up differently in other hospitals- this is how we utilise step down units (we call them progressive care units, and they're a specific area or team on the med/surg floors)

jessjoy · Dec 20, 2002

Thanks so much for such a great explanation! It really helped me understand what a step-down unit is. :) Jess